First Cross Channell.....

[Maximus]

Hopeing with the usual suspects to do a cross channell jaunt later in the 'Summer'[fingers crossed we get one!]via the Channell Islands.This being the first time, be glad of any tips and advice the Sages of 'R.N' could inpart!!!Dates pretty flexable,with main criteria being a decent weather window.
Looking at camping on the 'old mainland'...well we did USED to own it!! ha!
Probably looking to leave from the Solent area and do things over a long weekend.

[Pete7]

Walk in the park, just take some sandwiches and a flask.

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...derney&page=26

and a quick video,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hg1B7M86U8

Pete

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Hopeing with the usual suspects to do a cross channell jaunt later in the 'Summer'[fingers crossed we get one!]via the Channell Islands.This being the first time, be glad of any tips and advice the Sages of 'R.N' could inpart!!!Dates pretty flexable,with main criteria being a decent weather window.
Looking at camping on the 'old mainland'...well we did USED to own it!! ha!
Probably looking to leave from the Solent area and do things over a long weekend.

If you're going to be visiting French ports, you'll need to get your paperwork in order.

[matt h]

im game!!!

[codprawn]

Check out the channel light vessel data here

http://www.xcweather.co.uk/

Just move the mouse pointer over the arrow at the bottom/middle.

You can tell EXACTLY what the conditions are mid channel.

And yes the crossing is simple in good weather. It can feel a bit lonely on your own - only spotted 3 ships and 1 yacht - and they are some of the busiest shipping lanes in the World!!!

It can also be very cold - 26C in Guernesy - 26C in Weymouth - brilliant sun - it was down to 12C in the middle - take a ski mask even in summer.

[MarkWildey]

First channel crossing is always exciting, especially when all you can see for 360 degrees is water. In order to make the crossing a non-event/boring preparation is key. When I did mine I spent hours on the boat checking nuts, fuel lines, levels etc etc until I could find nothing to do.

Make sure you have spares for everything possible and the tools to make the change.

I assume you'll be in company in which case all work off the same nav points and stay in reasonable distance of each other. Agree to pair up or travel in a group and agree the cruising speed. In a cruise it's important to know what the other boats happy cruising speed is as there's nothing worse than seeing your buddy boat disappear off the horizon at 50 knots where you can only do 25.

Even if it's cloudy make sure you have sun protection on as I've done a few crossings in cloud only to arrive looking like a lobster. Keep a few chocolate bars in your pockets and water to hand.

Make sure your crew are keeping an eye on engine gauges and navigation as many eyes will spot problems. Everyone should be looking at the sea ahead of you for nets / bits of wood / trees and make sure they tell you. I've had a few close calls when my crew "assumed I'd seen something".

Take a camera and beer money. There's nothing like the first beer when you arrive in port.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Mollers

If you're going to be visiting French ports, you'll need to get your paperwork in order.

This is one of the points I'd like to clarify,what are the essential papers we need to carry in case we get stopped on the French side? Thanks for the good advice so far!

[MarkWildey]

Having been boarded by the French customs and police a few times here's what they appear to care about...

• SSR
• ICC

and if they can be bothered

• Insurance

and have never been asked for

• Passport

I would also take a VAT certificate with you if you have it just in case. In reality you should have all of these to hand when setting foot in France.

Also take a good smile and a decent handshake and a basic knowledge of French so as not to piss them off.

[Mollers]

I thought we were talking 'chanell' not 'Atlanttic' It's only 50 odd miles from your part of the Country.

The Scillies are 60 from here, ok half of it is following the coast. With more than one boat and VHF comms you'll be fine. Bad weather will be the limiting factor. Big seas will stretch the journey time accordingly and increase the fuel consumption. Making sure that petrol is available at destination ports is a must. Running low on fuel is a real worry, we tend to carry a lot of extra which is best avoided if poss.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Mollers

I thought we were talking 'chanell' not 'Atlanttic' It's only 50 odd miles from your part of the Country.

The Scillies are 60 from here, ok half of it is following the coast. With more than one boat and VHF comms you'll be fine. Bad weather will be the limiting factor. Big seas will stretch the journey time accordingly and increase the fuel consumption. Making sure that petrol is available at destination ports is a must. Running low on fuel is a real worry, we tend to carry a lot of extra which is best avoided if poss.

Not too concerned about the logistics,and certainly done more distance, but would rather pre-empt any problems with over zealous officials.....Like YOU said... better to have your paper work in order!
A clever man learns by his mistakes.... a wise man learns by other peoples!!